DUNMOW Town Council has unveiled its vision for the future of the east sector in Dunmow town centre and the councillors have decided on the next step in securing Dunmow s heritage. Prior to holding talks with Uttlesford District Council over potential fu

DUNMOW Town Council has unveiled its vision for the future of the east sector in Dunmow town centre and the councillors have decided on the

next step in securing Dunmow's heritage.

Prior to holding talks with Uttlesford District Council over potential funding, the town council will be seeking specialist advice from an urban designer and will produce drawings and costs of exactly what the council envisage.

Cllr Trudi Hughes and Cllr Mark Gaylor presented the council with sketches and detailed diagrams for the area around White Street.

She said: "Our vision is for a public square which is a pedestrian friendly space that encourages people to linger, contemplate and gather, through which traffic may only occasionally pass."

The council agreed unanimously that the area's primary focus should be for pedestrians and retail growth and that any building materials used should be traditional and in keeping with Dunmow's High Street conservation area.

The 46-week project will also create a signalled junction with the High Street and a new library with 10 flats situated above.

Plans for the area caused controversy before the Christmas period, when town councillors criticised the plan saying they were being "sold short" by Uttlesford District Council who seemed unprepared to help fund any expensive materials for the project such as York Stone Block paving.

At the latest council meeting, last Wednesday, Cllr Gaylor said: "We need to talk to Uttlesford District Council directly to get what we need for this scheme, no e-mails, no phone calls, face to face."

Cllr Hughes outlined: "The threats to this project is that UDC's budget is inadequate, if the scheme proposed by them is implemented the area will largely retain its present uncared for, poor quality character, with no sense of identity.

"Our chance to do something positive in this critical area will be lost for decades. The town council is very unlikely to back down over the plans even if they can't get the funding, but have a very limited time to push hard for the required capital as building work is already under way."

To view the plans pop into the Broadcast's office on Angel Lane where they will be on display.

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